Apple Clarifies EU App Store Payment Warning Screens Are Not New

Apple has addressed recent concerns regarding warning messages displayed next to apps on the European Union App Store that use third-party payment systems. Contrary to popular belief, these warnings are not a new feature but have been part of Apple's compliance with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) since March 2024.

The warning messages, which include a red exclamation mark, inform users that the app does not use Apple's private and secure payment system but instead relies on external purchases. This disclosure aims to increase transparency for users regarding payment methods available within apps, as mandated by the DMA, which requires Apple to allow third-party payment options.

The confusion around these warnings arose after a social media post by a user who claimed it was the first time seeing such a message and suggested Apple was punishing apps using external payment systems. This post gained significant traction, sparking debate within the developer community about Apple's intentions.

Apple clarified that these user disclosure screens have been live since the launch of its DMA Compliance Plan and are specific to the EU market. The limited adoption of third-party payment options by EU developers likely contributed to the perception that these warnings were new.

In response to initial criticism, Apple planned to update the warning message to a more neutral statement: “Transactions in this app are supported by the developer and not Apple.” However, the European Commission requested Apple to delay this update, so the original message remains in place.

This development follows Apple’s recent legal challenges in the U.S., where a court ruling forced the company to allow external payment links in apps, a decision Apple is currently appealing. The EU’s DMA similarly mandates more openness in payment options, reflecting a global shift toward increased developer freedom and consumer choice.

For developers and businesses operating within the EU, understanding these regulatory requirements and Apple’s compliance measures is critical. The warnings serve as an important transparency tool but also highlight the evolving landscape of app payment systems under new digital market regulations.

Apple was fined €500 million by the European Commission in April 2025 for non-compliance with the DMA, a decision the company is appealing. This ongoing regulatory scrutiny underscores the importance of compliance strategies for tech companies in global markets.

In summary, the warning messages on the EU App Store regarding third-party payment systems are a longstanding part of Apple’s DMA compliance efforts, designed to inform users rather than penalize developers. As digital market regulations evolve, staying informed and adapting to compliance requirements will be essential for developers and businesses alike.